German President’s reference to Erdogan as ‘friend’ sparks media attention

German press extensively covered the meeting between Erdogan and his German counterpart at the Presidential Complex in Ankara

The German press extensively covered President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s meetings with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. However, his recent reference to Erdogan as a “friend” has garnered immense media attention, with few censuring the German president’s move.

Here’s the round-up for coverage of the meeting between the two presidents.

‘Steinmeier should have faced Erdogan’

German newspaper BILD covered the criticism Steinmeier received for referring to Erdogan as a “valuable friend.” The news reported debates regarding Steinmeier’s obligation to “confront” Erdogan instead of calling him a “friend.”

‘Desires to normalize relations’

Another publication, Frankfurter Allgemeine reported that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier advocated reestablishing relations between Germany and Türkiye, adding, “Steinmeier and Erdogan wish to improve Germany-Türkiye relations.”

‘Let’s revive relations’

Another German public-service television broadcaster, ZDF, broadcasted news titled “Steinmeier is in Türkiye: We need each other.” The program emphasized the importance of relations between Berlin and Ankara. Steinmeier called for revitalizing Germany-Türkiye relations during his visit to Türkiye. On the other hand, a special report was broadcast about Steinmeier cutting the doner kebab he brought from Berlin at the beginning of his visit to Türkiye.

‘An indispensable yet challenging partner’

Another German outlet, RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND), published a photograph depicting the moment Erdogan and Steinmeier embraced at the Presidential Complex. The article “A difficult but indispensable partner” emphasized Türkiye’s indispensability.

‘We need each other’

Apart from the extensive German media coverage, the president highlighted the importance of  German-Turkish relations. “The situation is serious. This is exactly why we need each other,” the German President maintained.

The German president also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying: “Türkiye also has a critical responsibility here.”

Source: Newsroom